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Identifying Run On Sentences – Quiz 1
Identifying Run On Sentences Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and improper punctuation in compound sentences. It covers skills such as recognizing independent clauses, appropriate conjunctions, and proper use of commas and coordinating conjunctions.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
How can you correct the comma splice in this sentence: "She runs fast, she wins every race" ?
A) She runs fast she wins every race.
B) She runs fast and wins every race.
C) She runs fast. She wins every race.
D) She runs fast she, wins every race.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it properly separates the two independent clauses with a period, creating two distinct sentences that are grammatically correct and clearly convey the intended meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option incorrectly merges the two clauses without any punctuation, resulting in a run-on sentence.
Option B:
While this uses a coordinating conjunction ("and"), it still creates a comma splice because of the missing comma before "and."
Option C:
This is correct as it properly separates the two independent clauses with a period, making each clause its own sentence.
Option D:
This option incorrectly uses a comma instead of a conjunction or period, which does not fix the run-on sentence issue.
2.
The cost of living is high, many young adults have to live with their parents.
A) Complete.
B) Run on.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions. The given statement "The cost of living is high, many young adults have to live with their parents" combines two independent clauses ("The cost of living is high" and "many young adults have to live with their parents") using a comma alone, which makes it a run-on sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Complete. Incorrect as the statement is not grammatically complete.
Option B:
Run on. Correct. The statement joins independent clauses improperly with just a comma.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect, as "Complete" does not apply to this sentence structure.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect, as "Run on" is correct.
3.
Find the run-on sentence.
A) After finishing her homework, she went out to play.
B) She finished her homework she went out to play.
C) She finished her homework, and then she went out to play.
D) Because she finished her homework, she went out to play.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, creating a single sentence that is grammatically incorrect. Option B combines two independent clauses ("She finished her homework" and "she went out to play") with no conjunction, comma, or other appropriate punctuation, making it a run-on sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses a comma to separate the two independent clauses.
Option B:
Incorrect; it is a run-on sentence due to lack of proper punctuation or conjunction between independent clauses.
Option C:
Uses "and then" appropriately, correctly separating the clauses with both a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
Option D:
Uses "Because," which introduces an independent clause properly, making it a complex sentence rather than a run-on sentence.
4.
Is this a run on?He processes paperwork for divorces marriages and other legal issues.
A) Yes, it's a run on.
B) No, it looks fine.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions. The given sentence "He processes paperwork for divorces marriages and other legal issues." contains multiple ideas but uses only a comma to separate them, which is insufficient. Therefore, it is indeed a run-on sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence has two independent clauses that should be separated by a conjunction or proper punctuation.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence does have issues with proper sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
5.
Kathy applied for a small bank loan she wanted to establish a credit history.
A) Complete.
B) Run on.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions. The given sentence "Kathy applied for a small bank loan she wanted to establish a credit history." is not a run-on sentence because it contains only one independent clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Complete. Not applicable as the sentence is grammatically correct.
Option B:
Run on. Incorrect, the sentence does not have two or more independent clauses joined improperly.
Option C:
All the above. Not applicable since none of the options are correct for this sentence.
Option D:
None of the above. Correct, as the sentence is grammatically sound and does not fit any of the other descriptions.
6.
Is the following a complete sentence or a fragment? "Under the bright moon."
A) Complete sentence.
B) Fragment.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Under the bright moon." is a prepositional phrase and not a complete sentence because it lacks a main verb and a subject, which are essential components of a complete sentence in English grammar.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Complete sentence. Incorrect as the phrase lacks a main verb and a subject.
Option B:
Fragment. Correct because it is a prepositional phrase without a main verb and a subject.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect, as only option B is correct.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect, as option B correctly identifies the phrase as a fragment.
7.
Which sentence is a comma splice?
A) She loves painting, she's really good at it.
B) He plays soccer every weekend, and he practices daily.
C) They moved to a new city because of work.
D) I watched a movie, then I went to bed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma instead of a conjunction, semicolon, or period. In Option A, "She loves painting" and "she's really good at it" are both independent clauses that should be separated by a conjunction (like "and") or a semicolon.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct example of comma splice.
Option B:
Properly uses a coordinating conjunction ("and").
Option C:
Single independent clause, no issue.
Option D:
Uses "then" correctly to separate two independent clauses.
8.
Identify the run-on sentence in this group:
A) She went to the store and bought milk.
B) She went to the store it was raining.
C) She went to the store because we were out of milk.
D) She went to the store, but they were out of milk.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. In option B, "She went to the store it was raining," there is no appropriate punctuation or conjunction between the two independent clauses ("She went to the store" and "it was raining"). This makes it a run-on sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses a coordinating conjunction ("and") to join two independent clauses.
Option B:
Incorrect, as it is a run-on sentence due to lack of proper punctuation or conjunction between independent clauses.
Option C:
Uses a subordinating conjunction ("because") correctly to connect the dependent and independent clauses.
Option D:
Uses a coordinating conjunction ("but") correctly to join two independent clauses.
9.
The Confederacy wore gray uniforms the Union wore blue
A) Sentence.
B) Fragment.
C) Run-on.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, creating a single sentence that is grammatically incorrect. The given statement "The Confederacy wore gray uniforms the Union wore blue" does not contain any independent clauses joined improperly; it is a complete sentence with clear subject-verb relationships and a logical structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Sentence - Correct, as the statement is grammatically complete.
Option B:
Fragment - Incorrect, as the statement has both a subject and predicate.
Option C:
Run-on - Incorrect, as there are no improperly joined independent clauses.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, as Option A is correct.
10.
Is the following a complete sentence or a fragment? "After the movie ended."
A) Complete sentence.
B) Fragment.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
This is a fragment because it lacks a main verb and does not express a complete thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Complete sentence - Incorrect, as the phrase lacks a main verb.
Option B:
Fragment - Correct, as stated. The phrase is incomplete.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, since it cannot be a complete sentence or all options simultaneously.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, as option B correctly identifies the fragment.
11.
Which conjunction would correctly fix the run-on sentence: "I wanted to go to the park I forgot my keys" ?
A) And.
B) But.
C) Because.
D) All of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
All of the options (A, B, and C) can correct the run-on sentence by adding appropriate meaning to the relationship between clauses. "And" suggests a continuation; "But" indicates contrast; "Because" provides a reason. Each conjunction effectively fixes the run-on sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
And - Suggests a simple addition or continuation.
Option B:
But - Indicates a contrasting idea.
Option C:
Because - Provides a reason for the second clause.
Option D:
All of the above - Correct, as each conjunction can fix the sentence differently.
12.
Is this a run on?They heard about some gold in this town.
A) Correct.
B) Run on.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They heard about some gold in this town." is a simple, complete sentence with a subject ("They"), verb ("heard"), and object ("some gold"). It does not contain any independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions, which would be required for it to be considered a run-on sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence is grammatically correct as a simple statement.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option suggests the sentence is a run-on, which it is not.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option includes an incorrect choice (B) and adds "All the above," making it invalid.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does not have any grammatical issues that would make this option valid.
13.
Which of the following is a run-on sentence? A) I need to study, but I also want to go out. B) The book was interesting, so I finished it in one day. C) I woke up late, I missed the train.
A) I woke up late, I missed the train.
B) I need to study, so I also want to go out.
C) The book was interesting, I finished it in one day.
D) She went to the store, and bought some groceries.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, creating a single sentence that is grammatically incorrect and difficult to read.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This is a run-on sentence because it combines two independent clauses ("I woke up late" and "I missed the train") with no conjunction or punctuation. It should be split into two sentences for clarity.
Option B:
This is not a run-on sentence as it uses a comma and coordinating conjunction ("so") to properly connect two independent clauses.
Option C:
This is not a run-on sentence. It correctly uses a comma to separate an introductory clause from the main clause, forming a complex sentence that is grammatically correct.
Option D:
This is not a run-on sentence as it uses "and" to properly connect two independent clauses, making it a compound sentence which is grammatically correct.
14.
Reissa enjoys walking. Marcus likes to run.
A) Complete sentences.
B) Run-on sentence.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The given statement "Reissa enjoys walking. Marcus likes to run." consists of two separate, complete thoughts that could each stand as their own sentence. Since there is no conjunction or punctuation joining these independent clauses into one sentence without proper structure (such as a comma and coordinating conjunction), it does not form a run-on sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct, because the statement contains two complete sentences.
Option B:
Incorrect, as there is no run-on sentence present.
Option C:
Incorrect, since only one of the options is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect, as a run-on sentence is not involved here.
15.
What punctuation can be used to fix a fused sentence?
A) A question mark.
B) A semicolon.
C) A comma.
D) An exclamation mark.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A semicolon can be used to fix a fused sentence by connecting two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, but could stand as separate sentences. This punctuation helps clarify the relationship between the ideas while maintaining their independence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. A question mark is used for interrogative sentences and does not address the issue of a fused sentence.
Option B:
Correct. A semicolon can effectively separate two independent clauses that are closely related, fixing a run-on sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. While commas can be used in some cases to separate elements within a sentence or between clauses, they alone may not always fix a fused sentence as effectively as a semicolon does.
Option D:
Incorrect. An exclamation mark is used for exclamatory sentences and does not address the issue of a fused sentence.
16.
Find the sentence that is a run-on.
A) Since it was a sunny day, they went hiking.
B) They went hiking it was a sunny day.
C) Although it was a sunny day, they went hiking.
D) They went hiking because it was a sunny day.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions, resulting in a sentence that is too long and can be confusing to read.
Option B) "They went hiking it was a sunny day" is a run-on sentence because it combines two independent clauses ("They went hiking" and "it was a sunny day") with no appropriate punctuation or conjunction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This sentence uses a comma to separate the two independent clauses, making it grammatically correct.
Option B:
Correctly identified as a run-on sentence due to lack of proper punctuation between independent clauses.
Option C:
Uses "Although" correctly to connect the dependent and independent clauses, making it grammatically correct.
Option D:
Uses "because" to properly introduce the second clause, making it a grammatically correct sentence.
17.
Is the following a complete sentence or a fragment? "Whenever you feel like it."
A) Complete sentence.
B) Fragment.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A complete sentence expresses a complete thought and contains both a subject and a predicate. "Whenever you feel like it." lacks a main verb and does not express a complete thought on its own, making it a fragment.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Complete sentence - Incorrect as the phrase is incomplete.
Option B:
Fragment - Correct as the phrase lacks a main verb and does not express a complete thought.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, since only one option is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, as Option B is correct.
18.
The abandoned building looked scary, the boys dared each other to enter.
A) Complete.
B) Run on.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, creating a grammatical error. The given sentence "The abandoned building looked scary, the boys dared each other to enter." is not a run-on sentence because it contains only one independent clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Complete - Incorrect as the sentence is not a run-on.
Option B:
Run on - Correct, but this option is incorrect since the sentence is not a run-on. The correct answer should be "A" if considering only complete sentences.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect as it includes an incorrect statement about the sentence being a run-on.
Option D:
None of the above - Correct, as none of the options accurately describe the given sentence structure.
19.
The United States Civil War was fought from 1861-1865.
A) Sentence.
B) Fragment.
C) Run-on.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The United States Civil War was fought from 1861-1865." is a complete thought with a subject, verb, and object (implied), making it a proper sentence. It does not contain two independent clauses joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions, which would make it a run-on sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence is complete with a subject, verb, and object.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence is not a fragment as it contains all necessary components of a sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. The sentence does not contain two independent clauses improperly joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is no need for none of the above since Option A is correct.
20.
We visited the museum it was an amazing experience.
A) We went to the museum. It was a boring experience.
B) We visited the museum it was a terrible experience.
C) We visited the museum. It was an amazing experience.
D) We visited the gallery. It was an amazing experience.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it avoids a run-on sentence by properly separating the two independent clauses with appropriate punctuation (a period in this case). Each clause has its own subject and predicate, making them complete thoughts that can stand alone. The sentence structure is clear and grammatically sound.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option incorrectly uses "boring" instead of "amazing," which changes the meaning but does not address the run-on sentence issue.
Option B:
This option uses "terrible" and lacks proper punctuation, creating a run-on sentence by combining two independent clauses without appropriate separation.
Option C:
Correctly structured with a period separating two complete thoughts. No run-on sentence issue.
Option D:
Uses "gallery" instead of "museum," changing the subject, and lacks proper punctuation, creating a run-on sentence by combining two independent clauses without appropriate separation.
21.
What should each sentence end with?
A) A lowercase letter.
B) A punctuation mark.
C) A conjunction.
D) A capital letter.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Each sentence should end with a punctuation mark to ensure clarity and proper structure. Common punctuation marks include periods, question marks, exclamation points, colons, and semicolons. These marks help indicate the end of one complete thought or statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Lowercase letters are used at the beginning of sentences, not at the end.
Option B:
Correct. Punctuation marks are necessary to properly conclude a sentence and convey meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect. Conjunctions join words or clauses within a sentence, not terminate it.
Option D:
Incorrect. Capital letters begin sentences, not end them.
22.
Which coordinating conjunction can be used to join two independent clauses?
A) And.
B) Because.
C) Or.
D) But.
Show Answer
Explanations:
And is a coordinating conjunction that can be used to join two independent clauses, creating a compound sentence where both parts have equal importance and are directly related.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. And connects independent clauses without the need for punctuation.
Option B:
Because introduces a dependent clause, indicating cause or reason; it cannot connect two independent clauses.
Option C:
Or is used to present alternatives and does not join independent clauses directly.
Option D:
But indicates contrast between the two clauses and thus requires careful placement in a sentence structure.
23.
Identify the sentence that has been corrected properly:
A) I forgot my umbrella it, started to rain.
B) I forgot my umbrella, it started to rain.
C) I forgot my umbrella. It started to rain.
D) I forgot my umbrella it started to rain.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it properly separates the two independent clauses with a period, making each clause its own sentence. This avoids creating a run-on sentence by ensuring that both thoughts are clearly expressed and punctuated correctly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Commas cannot join two independent clauses without additional conjunctions or punctuation.
Option B:
While it uses a comma, the structure is still a run-on sentence because "it started to rain" is not properly connected with a coordinating conjunction after the comma.
Option C:
Correctly separates clauses with a period, avoiding a run-on sentence.
Option D:
No punctuation between independent clauses, creating a run-on sentence.
24.
Which sentence uses coordinating conjunctions correctly?
A) I wanted to go to the party but I had too much homework.
B) I wanted to go to the party but, I had too much homework.
C) I wanted to go to the party, but I had too much homework.
D) I wanted to go to the party, but, I had too much homework.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C uses the coordinating conjunction "but" correctly to connect two independent clauses without any unnecessary punctuation, making it a well-formed sentence that avoids a run-on structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Commas are not needed before but in this context.
Option B:
An extra comma after "party" is incorrect and disrupts the flow of the sentence.
Option C:
Correct use of but without unnecessary punctuation.
Option D:
The additional comma before "I had too much homework" is not required, making it a run-on sentence.
25.
Which option correctly fixes the run-on sentence: "She ran to the store it was closing soon" ?
A) She ran to the store, it was closing soon.
B) She ran to the store; it was closing soon.
C) She ran to the store because it was closing soon.
D) Both B and C.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Both options B and C correctly address the run-on sentence issue by using appropriate punctuation to separate independent clauses.
Option B uses a semicolon, which is suitable for connecting two related independent clauses without an introductory word like "but" or "because."
Option C combines the clauses into one independent clause with a conjunction ("because"), making it grammatically correct as well.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It uses no punctuation between the two clauses, creating a run-on sentence.
Option B:
Correct. Uses a semicolon to separate independent clauses effectively.
Option C:
Correct. Combines clauses with "because," forming one complete sentence.
Option D:
Correct. Both B and C are valid fixes for the run-on sentence.
26.
Jamie has a little brother. Chanel is an only child.
A) Complete sentences.
B) Run-on sentence.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The given statement "Jamie has a little brother. Chanel is an only child." consists of two separate, complete thoughts that are properly punctuated with a period between them. This makes it a pair of complete sentences and not a run-on sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The statement is made up of two complete sentences.
Option B:
Incorrect. There are no independent clauses improperly joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The statement does not fit any of the other options.
27.
I love reading books, they transport me to another world.
A) I prefer watching movies.
B) I love reading books.
C) I dislike reading books.
D) I only read magazines.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it directly matches the statement in the question, which expresses a love for reading books. The other options introduce different preferences that are not aligned with the original statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Contradicts the given statement by preferring movies over books.
Option B:
Matches the given statement, expressing a love for reading books.
Option C:
Contradicts the given statement by disliking reading books.
Option D:
Contradicts the given statement by limiting preference to magazines only.
28.
Ravaged by disease.
A) Sentence.
B) Fragmentfragmen.
C) Run-on.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, creating a grammatically incorrect structure. "Ravaged by disease" is not a complete sentence but rather a phrase that lacks a verb and cannot stand alone as a complete thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Sentence - This option is incorrect because the given phrase is incomplete.
Option B:
Fragmentfragmen - This option is correct. The phrase "Ravaged by disease" is a fragment, which means it is not a complete sentence and does not express a full thought or idea on its own.
Option C:
Run-on - This option is incorrect because the phrase lacks the necessary elements to be considered a run-on sentence.
Option D:
None of the above - This option is incorrect as "Fragmentfragmen" accurately describes the given phrase.
29.
I like the summer heat my cousin likes the winter for snowboarding.
A) Complete sentences.
B) Run-on sentence.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions. The given statement "I like the summer heat my cousin likes the winter for snowboarding" combines two complete thoughts that could be separate sentences, violating the rules of sentence structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Complete sentences are not applicable here as the sentence is incorrectly joined.
Option B:
Correct. The sentence joins two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, making it a run-on sentence.
Option C:
Not correct since only one option accurately describes the issue with the sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a clear rule violation that fits within the definition of a run-on sentence.
30.
Is the following a complete sentence or a fragment? "The dog barked loudly."
A) Complete sentence.
B) Fragment.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A complete sentence contains a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought. "The dog barked loudly." has both a clear subject ("the dog") and a predicate ("barked loudly"), forming a complete thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence is complete with a subject and predicate.
Option B:
Incorrect. The given statement is not a fragment but a complete sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. The statement does not fit as both a complete sentence and a fragment.
Option D:
Incorrect. There are correct options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a run-on sentence?
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more complete sentences are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions, making the sentence too long and difficult to read.
How can I identify a run-on sentence?
You can identify a run-on sentence by looking for sentences that contain two or more independent clauses without appropriate punctuation (such as commas) or conjunctions like 'and' or 'but.'
Can a sentence be both a run-on and a fragment?
Yes, it is possible for a sentence to be both a run-on and a fragment. A run-on sentence typically joins two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions, while a fragment lacks a subject or verb.
What are coordinating conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions include 'and,' 'but,' 'or,' 'nor,' 'for,' 'so,' and 'yet.' They are used to connect words, phrases, or independent clauses in a sentence.
How do prepositional phrases relate to run-on sentences?
Prepositional phrases can contribute to run-on sentences if they are improperly used to connect independent clauses without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions, making the sentence structure unclear.